With the recent hot weather the beaches are packed, especially at the weekends and typically online retailers see a blip in summer sales as people relax outside. Since the age of the mobile it’s now easier than ever to buy online and often the hot weather doesn’t slow sales but can accelerate them. New research from Royal Mail reveals that almost eight in ten (77%) UK SME retailers expect to see an increase in sales this summer
On average, retailers are expecting a sales increase of almost a third (29%) over the summer months. Hot weather (39%), bank holidays (39%), summer sporting events (32%) and new trends influenced by celebrities (32%) are the main reasons for this expected spike.
70% of UK SME retailers run their business differently throughout the year to make the most of seasonal demand. 71% have to specifically amend their product offering and stocks to prepare for summer orders.
Over half (52%) expect to see an increase in overseas sales this summer. The main reasons for this are hot weather (15%), a marketing drive (13%), increased demand in the summer (8%) and sporting events (5%).
Summer of sport
Six in ten (59%) UK SME retailers agree that sporting events always help to increase summer sales. The World Cup (71%), Wimbledon tennis tournament (56%) and The Open golf tournament in Scotland (45%) are the sporting events retailers expect to benefit from the most this summer.
“With forecasters predicting a long hot UK summer, retailers are set to capitalise on the good weather this year. It’s encouraging to see that many expect to see an increase in sales this season. By selecting high quality, great value services from Royal Mail, whatever the weather retailers can set themselves up for success.”
– A spokesperson for Royal Mail
